Sophia Wilson and Naomi Girma hug as they run toward the United States' sideline.
United States defender Naomi Girma and forward Sophia Wilson celebrate Girma's second-half goal against Japan. (Photo credit: Rowan Schaberg | The IX Sports)

The U.S. women’s national team ended its three-game series with Japan in dominant fashion, winning 3-0 on Friday night in Commerce City, Colo. And even though it was just one of three, this match was maybe the most representative of the United States going forward, which made it even more meaningful. 

“Have we made progress in these three games? One million percent,” coach Emma Hayes told reporters after Friday’s match.  


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Kathleen Gier is Executive Editor of The IX Sports and The IX Basketball. As a Kansas City native, she occasionally pitches in on Big 12 coverage in addition to other stories from events like the WNBA...